(A) For major residential subdivisions consisting of lots with an average minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet or less, the Planning Board may recommend and the Board of Commissioners may require any or all the following:
(1) Sufficient land area be designated and reserved on each individual lot to accommodate anticipated off-street parking;
(2) The recordation of deed restrictions and subdivision plat notations restricting vehicular parking on individual lots to paved surfaces and within reserved off-street parking areas;
(3) Wider minimum street pavement widths to accommodate on-street parking;
(4) The provision of off-street overflow and/or visitor parking;
(5) For subdivisions and nontraditional residential lot developments and the like, sidewalks shall be considered for both sides of all streets. Sidewalks and/or pedestrian walkways shall also be installed to provide access to internal or adjoining recreational areas and facilities, community buildings, schools, commercial areas and other pedestrian-oriented areas;
(6) Greater building setbacks along the perimeter of the subdivision where it adjoins lower density residential areas;
(7) Wider buffer areas along the perimeter of the subdivision to provide a greater separation from adjoining lower density residential areas and/or increased planting standards to provide a more opaque screen;
(8) Multiple entrances to the subdivision from major streets of access;
(9) A higher level of vehicular connectivity with adjoining tracts;
(10) Shorter cul-de-sac street lengths; and
(11) Alternative means of vehicular access to individual lots fronting on major thoroughfares.
(B) For purposes of this section, the average lot size of all residential building lots proposed in the subdivision shall be calculated to define “small lot subdivision”.
(C) The Board of Commissioners, in determining the minimum design standards applicable to small lot subdivisions, shall take into consideration the following factors:
(1) The overall density of the proposed subdivision relative to other developments in the vicinity of the small lot subdivision;
(2) The total number of lots proposed;
(3) The zoning patterns, projected future land use and development potential of the surrounding area for similar small lot subdivision development;
(4) The anticipated vehicular traffic generation and parking needs of the intended occupants or targeted market of the proposed development;
(5) The existing and proposed street system and traffic flows and patterns; and
(6) The mitigating impact of the voluntary provision of recreational and open space in an amount which exceeds the minimum amount required in Chapter 157.
(D) After determining the need for the imposition of the design standards delineated in division (A) above, the Board of Commissioners shall utilize the following guidelines to implement the additional requirements for small lot subdivisions:
(1) Sufficient land area designated and reserved on each individual lot to accommodate anticipated off-street parking shall be calculated at approximately 200 square feet per required parking space. All parking shall be located completely on an improved driveway or improved parking pad. No more than 30% of the front yard or a side yard abutting a street on a corner lot may be improved for off-street parking and drives.
(2) Minimum street pavement widths should be increased by approximately nine feet to accommodate on-street parking. The Planning Board and Board of Commissioners shall request the recommendation of the City Engineer and the NCDOT, if applicable, for specific pavement widths necessary to provide adequate on-street parking on public streets.
(3) Off-street overflow and/or visitor parking shall generally be provided at the standard of one parking space per three lots unless the Board of Commissioners determines that the subdivision layout and density warrant a higher standard. Overflow/visitor parking shall be grouped and spaced throughout the subdivision so as to be readily accessible to lot owners. Overflow/visitor parking shall be owned and maintained by a property owners’ association.
(4) For subdivisions and nontraditional residential lot developments and the like, sidewalks shall be considered for both sides of all streets. Sidewalks and/or pedestrian walkways shall also be installed to provide access to internal or adjoining recreational areas and facilities, community buildings, schools, commercial areas and other pedestrian-oriented areas.
(5) Building setbacks along the perimeter of the subdivision where it adjoins lower density residential areas shall be the same or exceed the building setback standard applicable to the adjoining lower density residential zoning district.
(6) To provide a greater separation from adjoining lower density residential areas, a 20-foot wide Type B landscaped buffer shall be installed along the external boundary line of the small lot development that adjoins a lower density residentially-used or zoned property. The buffer shall comply with the planting requirements of Chapter 157.
(7) Developments of 50 or more residential units or additions to existing developments that increase the total number of residential units to 50 or more shall be required to provide vehicular access to at least two public streets unless the City Engineer determines that topography, natural features, or the pattern of existing adjacent development makes the provision impractical.
(8) Vehicular connectivity with adjoining tracts shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of § 158.086.
(9) Cul-de-sac street lengths generally should not exceed 400 feet or be designed to provide access to no more than 20 dwellings or a maximum projected average daily traffic (ADT) of 200, whichever is greater.
(10) Individual lots fronting on a major or minor thoroughfare or a collector street shall not have direct vehicular access to the roadway. Vehicular access to all lots shall be limited to internal, local residential streets.
(E) (1) The establishment of a property owners’ association is mandatory.
(2) Recordation of private deed restrictions which address particular land use and development issues or which exceed city requirements is encouraged.
(Ord. passed 7-25-2011)